Strambecco rates the Best Gravel Events Southeast 2025 based on various factors, including reputation, route quality, location, rider feedback, and the overall uniqueness of the event or race.  Spanning North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi — Southeast terrain features of Strambecco’s best list varies but include many events navigating parts of the Appalachian Mountains along with rolling hills, rich river valleys, and high flat plateaus.  States in the lower part of the region offer significantly flatter terrain amidst beaches, swamps, and wetlands.

If we had to select the best of the Best of the Best Gravel Events Southeast 2025, we’d start with the Belgian Waffle Ride – Asheville, which is part of the Belgian Waffle Ride Series, a North American series offering some of the world’s most highly respected and well-organized gravel events/races.  The idea of the Series was conceived initially with the advent of “the most unique cycling event in the country,” the Belgian Waffle Ride California (San Diego). BWR California is well known among cycling enthusiasts and pros as one of the most difficult bicycle races in the US at 146 miles, 40 of which are off-road sectors.  BWR events are unique because they are classic, long bicycle races that feature various off-road sectors emulating the pave or cobblestones of Europe, making the varied terrain a challenge for riders’ technical skills, equipment, endurance, luck, and versatility.  Billed as the “Hell of the East,” BWR North Carolina is no exception.  The fourth Annual Belgian Waffle Ride North Carolina (Asheville) will take place on June 22 at Kanuga Resort near Asheville, which is an incredible destination nestled on 1,400 stunning acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Also, check out Strambecco’s Guide to Asheville for outdoor athletes.

We’d also recommend the Southern Cross Gravel grinder in Georgia, or the events six-part Southeast Gravel Series, which takes place throughout South Carolina.

Strambecco does not list every event.  We strive to identify and review events that are special and noteworthy.  If you have suggestions on other events we should consider or review, please get in touch with us here or send us a note at editors@strambecco.com.